Drought in Rome drains the Tiber: 2,000-year-old Nero Bridge emerges again

Extreme heat and a prolonged drought in Rome, the capital of Italy, have led to a significant drop in the water level of the Tiber River. The remains of the approximately 2,000-year-old Nero Bridge, which are normally completely submerged under normal conditions, have become visible again in the riverbed.

It was reported that the flow rate of the Tiber, which passes through the center of Rome, has dropped below 80 cubic meters per second. It was stated that this level corresponds to approximately half of the national average for this time of year.

Giovanni Giganti, Rome's Civil Protection Coordinator, said in an assessment to the Associated Press that there is a serious water crisis in the region. Giganti stated that while rainfall was relatively high during the winter months, the long dry periods that followed caused a sharp drop in the river level.

REMAINS CAN BE SEEN NEAR THE VATICAN

The Nero Bridge, also known as the Pons Neronianus, is believed to have been built as a victory monument around 39 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Caligula. According to historical sources, the structure later began to be known by the name of Caligula's nephew, Emperor Nero, during his reign.

The bridge connected the Campus Martius area in ancient Rome to the Circus of Nero, where Saint Peter is believed to have been killed. Today, iconic city landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, Via Condotti, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican are located around this route.

The historical remains can be seen from the Sant'Angelo Bridge, which extends to Castel Sant'Angelo near the Vatican. The emergence of the large stone blocks also offered archaeologists the opportunity to examine the structure, which is normally difficult to access, more closely.

The recession in the Tiber did not only make ancient ruins visible. It was reported that electric bicycles, scooters, refrigerators, and a car also emerged in the upper reaches of the river. The remains of the Nero Bridge had also surfaced in 2022, when a similar drought occurred.

News Source: 12punto